Whirligig 2025 Accessibility Statement 

We aim to make Whirligig an enjoyable and accessible experience for everyone. The festival takes place this year on Regent Street and Beach Road and most of it is on hardstanding.

Seating

All shows will be viewable from areas of hardstanding and, where we expect larger crowds, there will be an accessible viewing area set up for wheelchair users and for people who may need a seat. 

Access Staff

We will have a dedicated Access Companion onsite to assist those with limited mobility, those who identify as d/Deaf or visually impaired and those who identify with sensory issues, emotional and social differences and neurodiversity. 

Accessibility companions will be in hi-vis purple vests. 

During the event itself, our Culture Makers in hi-viz blue vests will also be there to assist. 

Many of the shows are non-verbal and any verbal shows will be signed on Saturday only. Our information point can support you to choose events.

Parking

Regent street and Beach Road are pedestrianized except for emergency services or work vehicles such as taxis and emergency services. There is limited parking directly where the festival is taking place. 

There is parking in the Sovereign Centre car park near the festival, which are fitted with automated door opening controls at wheelchair height. There are multiple disabled bays on the ground floor, the same level as the festival.

Toilets

Accessible toilets and changing spaces are available inside the Sovereign Centre, next to the event site.

Support

There will be limited ear defenders available. Please ask a member of staff if you or someone you know would like to borrow a pair.

Audio Description and Touch Tours

Some performances are able to offer audio descriptions for their show. Please get in touch by email in advance to find out more with a member of staff to confirm performance times and when to arrive to be given headphones. mel@superculture.org.uk

Some of the performances are able to offer touch tours. A touch tour is a pre-performance experience where those with visual impairments get to explore the stage, set,costume and props of a theatrical production and also meet some of the cast.

Please get in touch by email in advance to find out more mel@superculture.org.uk